Tameside Rotary’s ’Small Grants’ make a ‘Big Difference’

Twenty-two groups and charities benefit from Rotary team's Santa Float funds

Tameside Rotary’s Community Cash Awards celebration proved to be an evening of joy and emotion as more than 80 recipients and guests gathered for the occasion.

Staged at Ashton Masonic Hall, the event celebrated 22 local groups and charities from across the borough whose applications to Tameside Rotary’s ‘Small Grants, Big Difference’ initiative had been successful this year.

The cash awards were presented to a wide range of projects, including the provision of sports activities for children, toddler groups, environmental projects, youth initiatives, and health and wellbeing support groups.

The donations were made possible primarily thanks to the well-supported Tameside Rotary Santa Float collection held last December.

Delight

New Tameside Rotary President Amanda Reed-Raja expressed her delight and gratitude at seeing so many local groups represented at the event, saying: “These celebratory evenings showcase the impact of Tameside Rotary’s fundraising efforts and highlight the vital work carried out by community groups across Tameside.

“We work hard to organise fundraising events throughout the year, and being able to distribute the money raised to so many diverse and deserving causes is both rewarding and heart-warming.

“I sincerely hope Tameside residents who donated to our Santa collection will be pleased to see how many different local community activities our club has been able to support through their generosity. We know the need is great across the Tameside community and we will continue to actively fundraise to help others during these challenging times.”

Among the special guests was the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin DL, who delivered a highly amusing and equally fascinating speech about his role, while also sharing his heartfelt thanks to the groups present for the incredible work they undertake across Tameside.

The evening began with a short ceremony marking the handover of the Club Presidency from Immediate Past President Manhar Taylor - facilitating the transfer on behalf of outgoing President Mike Glover, who was sadly unable to attend - to incoming President Amanda, Senior Assistant Solicitor at Kirkham Legal, under the watchful eye of Rotary District 1285 Governor Edwin Partridge.

Amanda’s first duty as Club President was to preside over the cash awards presentation, where she distributed certificates and grants ranging from £100 to more than £300 to each group.

Projects

Upon receiving their awards, recipients were invited to say a few words about their organisation’s impact within the community and explain how the funding would support current or future projects.

While ultimately an enjoyable and celebratory occasion, the stories behind many of the awards proved highly moving, highlighting the remarkable dedication of those working tirelessly to support individuals and communities across Tameside.

The projects represented a wide range of causes, from tackling child and food poverty to supporting people living with dementia, young people, and those experiencing loneliness or bereavement. Each group demonstrated the unique and valuable role it plays in providing support within the community.

The evening also offered an opportunity for charity and community group representatives to network, share ideas, and explore ways in which their work could complement one another.

Amanda added: “The evening demonstrated how there can be cross-fertilisation between charities. If someone’s really strong at writing a grant application, help the charity sitting next to you.”

Tameside Rotary would like to thank all the representatives from the local community groups and charities who attended, along with the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin DL, and Rotary District Governor Edwin Partridge.

Grateful thanks also go to the management and staff of Ashton Masonic Hall for the use of their fabulous conservatory and for their excellent catering and hospitality throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed a buffet supper, while Rumour Entertainment and Events kindly sponsored the use of the PA system.

Tameside Rotarians are now working on plans for the 2026 Tameside Beer Festival, which will take place on September 18 and 19 at Stalybridge Civic Hall.

Tameside businesses and local groups interested in getting involved are invited to email beerfestival@tamesiderotary.onmicrosoft.com for more information.

ALL SMILES: Representatives from the 22 groups and charities with the cash awards they received from Tameside Rotary.

The full list of groups receiving the cash awards:

Tameside Vikings Basketball Club

SENDsational Soccer

Millbrook Primary & Secondary School

Tameside Pulmonary Support Group

St George’s Dementia Cafe

Mossley Blind Group

Inspiring Animal Welfare

Happy Tots - Church of Nazarene

Hurst Nook Tots

Stalybridge Town Team

Fairfield Moravian Allotment Society

Vitality Gardens

Hattersley Community Big Garden Project

Tameside Meals SEVA Group

Cedar Park Pantry (Smallshaw Hurst Community Action Group)

St George’s Kitchen

Wings of Hope

Power of Resilience

Tameside Medical Education Trust

St Gabriels Community Group

Tameside Armed Services Community

The Carpenters Arms

MAIN PICTURE: (From left) DC for the evening Rotarian Su Greaves, District Governor 1285 for North West England and Isle of Mann, Edwin Partridge, the Kings representative, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Mark Llewellin.